
That said, these toys should always be played with under adult supervision. With so many small pieces in these toy sets, you’ll be reassured to know the toys below meet safety standards set under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s age recommendation, which I’ve highlighted for each pick below. However, there are marble runs designed for use even by toddlers since they use larger balls. The traditional glass marbles on more complex sets are designed for older kids about age 4 and up.

For a marble run pick that will sustain your child’s interest for longer and can even grow with them, look for one that offers expansion packs or booster sets with additional tracks, slides, or unique shapes to foster their creativity and encourage them to find new ways to play. Part of the fun of a marble run set is building the track, and most kits come with dozens of pieces, including base attachments and fun action pieces, like wheels, windmills, or see-saws that kids will love. Others feature magnetic track pieces that allow kids to build a more open-ended track on any magnetic surface. Wooden run pieces interlock to form ramps, though not usually tubes or loop-de-loop spirals.

Wooden marble runs have especially durable pieces with an heirloom quality that can be passed down from kid to kid - and the weight of the pieces can form steadier builds. Plastic marble runs are widely available and relatively affordable, and they come with colorful pieces that are sometimes translucent for an added thrill as marbles go through ramps and tubes. The best marble runs are age-appropriate in their complexity and designed with safety in mind- and you’ll find them in both affordable or hand-me-down-worthy kits. For a fun and stimulating toy that engages your child in STEM skills, a marble run is a must.
